Clad in glass sneakers a year ago, Stiles improbably led Southwest Missouri State to the Final Four, capturing headlines across the nation and hearts throughout Missouri.

Stiles' Bears lost in the semifinals to Purdue. But that didn't diminish the golden memories or the accomplishments of Stiles, who finished her career as the all-time scoring leader in NCAA women's basketball history.

The time since last season's Final Four in St. Louis has been a bit overwhelming for Stiles.

The 5-8 guard made a huge splash in the WNBA, earning Rookie of the Year honors with the Portland Fire. Now, she is seeking a berth on the U.S. team for the World Championships, Sept. 14-25 in China.

"I was just looking back at all the (2002) NCAA Tournament games and thinking, this time last year, I was just right there on the court, and all of this that has happened to me since then has been incredible," Stiles said. "It's been an incredible ride, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

"All of the hours in the gym that I've worked, the people that I've gotten to meet, it's just all been worth what I've gotten to do this past year.

"But it's a credit to a lot of people who have helped me get where I am today. I share my success with them."

This week, Stiles is among eight players trying to earn a berth on the 12-member women's national team that will compete for the United States at the World Championships. The workouts are being conducted under the eye of coach Van Chancellor and assistant Anne Donovan at Westside Tennis Club.

Sheryl Swoopes (Comets), Lisa Leslie (Los Angeles Sparks) Natalie Williams (Utah Starzz), Chamique Holdsclaw (Washington Mystics) and Dawn Staley (Charlotte Sting) are the only players guaranteed roster spots.

But Stiles, who had offseason wrist surgery, hasn't been able to show off her skills on the court. Stiles isn't sure when she'll start taking part in drills full time.

Though Stiles has not been able to participate on the court, it's good for her to be around so she can learn the system, Chancellor said. Moreover, Stiles is optimistic she will get the chance to make a childhood dream come true.

"Since I was a little kid, I've dreamed about the opportunity to be on a national basketball team," she said. "I know I still have a long way to go, but this is the first step, just to see my name on the back of one of these jerseys.

"So hopefully, I'll get to be able to work hard and maybe one day get the opportunity to be on this team."

During her rehabilitation, Stiles has been keeping an eye on the NCAA Tournament.

"Oh, it's been fun to watch," said Stiles, whose No. 10 was retired at Southwest Missouri in February. "It brings back memories. I'm going through withdrawal.

"I feel so bad, wish I could be out there. It's the best time of the year. It's killing me to watch it."

Stiles' Bears didn't make the 64-team field this year. She is hesitant to pick a favorite to win the national championship but thinks top-ranked and undefeated Connecticut "looks pretty tough."

Also among her favorites is Oklahoma. Stiles was a guest of the Big 12 during its conference tournament in Kansas City two weeks ago and drew a crowd almost everywhere she went.

"They have a lot of talent as well," Stiles said of Oklahoma, top seed in the West. "It's going to be fun to see as the games get closer to the Final Four."

The U.S. national team, which will hold spring training until April 10, leaves Houston at the end of the week and moves onto San Antonio, site of this year's Final Four on March 29-31.